Brian Stann: “I want to be the world champion. Period.”

UFC middleweightBrian Stann didn’t waste any time making an impact on the division after dropping down from 205 pounds, racking up a trio of consecutive triumphs including finishes of Chris Leben and Jorge Santiago. However, Stann’s hopes of contendership were dashed when he ran into Chael Sonnen last year and suffered a submission loss.

With a first round knockout under his belt since the stumble, Stann is looking to re-build the divisional momentum he once held and plans to do so in a few weeks when he battles Michael Bisping at UFC 152.

“I’m in this to be a champion. I’m not here to waste time. I’m not here to say I’m a UFC fighter and wear a cool T-Shirt. I want to be the world champion. Period,” said an extremely motivated Stann in an interview with the UFC.

In Bisping, the 12-4 Stann sees an adversary who couldn’t have been more suited for helping him accomplish that goal based on the Brit’s past success and own standing as one of the top 185ers on the roster.

“I don’t think there’s an opponent out there that would have gotten me more excited to fight him. He’s a guy who settles into the fight quickly and he executes his gameplan well,” explained Stann. “I absolutely want to test his chin. Everybody I fight, anybody who has stood with me…the fight doesn’t last long.”

I had high hopes for Stann and was both surprised and disappointed as to how handily Sonnen defeated him. It would be great to see him showcase some improved ground skills and Bisping might be the guy to do it against. Everyone expects a stand up battle but a change in tactics may be safe to try as Bisping isn’t a strong threat on the ground.